Dragnet: The Big Sorrow (EP4934)

Summary

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The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Sorrow (EP4934)

Host: Adam Graham
Date: March 19, 2026 (Original Dragnet Air Date: December 27, 1951)

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Episode Overview

"The Big Sorrow" stands as an unusually emotional and somber entry in the Dragnet series, directly addressing both the sudden real-life passing of Barton Yarborough (the actor who portrayed Sgt. Ben Romero) and the death of the character within the story. The episode honors Yarborough’s legacy and highlights the unique bond between Joe Friday and Ben Romero, while also faithfully continuing the procedural traditions of Dragnet in its handling of a dramatic hunt for two armed escaped convicts.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Dedication and Historical Context (02:52)

• The episode opens with a rare, deeply respectful on-air dedication:

  "The makers of Fatima Cigarettes and the entire cast and crew ... respectfully dedicate tonight's program to the memory of Barton Yarborough, who created and portrayed the role of Sergeant Ben Romero."

• This sets an atypically personal tone, acknowledging a real actor’s death within the story’s framework—something almost unheard of in radio drama at the time.

2. A Cop’s Sudden Loss (Main Plot Development) (04:26–08:00)

• Sgt. Joe Friday arrives at work and learns that his longtime partner, Ben Romero, has died suddenly from a heart attack that morning.
• The news is delivered gently but plainly, emphasizing the emotional gravity:

  "He’s dead, Joe. Ben’s dead. ... Heart attack. Happened a little after six o'clock this morning." —Ed Jacobs (05:36)

• Friday reflects on their 11 years together—the camaraderie, mentorship, and day-to-day routine of police work:

  "All of a sudden it wasn't the same anymore ... He was a good cop. And he was a good friend. There wasn't much else to say. It was a big loss." —Joe Friday (08:00)

• Friday’s visit to Ben’s widow and son is poignant yet understated, in keeping with the show’s signature realism.

3. Transition and Investigation: New Partners, Old Habits (08:00–25:00)

• By necessity, Friday is quickly reassigned—joined by Sgt. Ed Jacobs—to track down two recently escaped convicts: Stanley Blair and Wesley Russell.
• The narrative returns to routine, yet the undercurrent of loss endures (e.g., Friday slips up and calls Ed “Ben” during the manhunt later in the episode).

Notable Sequence:

Interview with Father Newman (10:37–14:35)

• Friday and Jacobs interview a priest acquainted with Blair, drawing a parallel between the “good thief” Dismas from the crucifixion story and the fugitives.

  "I told him, you never give up hope. ... The Good Thief, he made it with a prayer, not with a gun in his hand." —Father Newman (14:18)

Investigation Progress:

• The convicts commit a series of small robberies—grocery store, clothing shop, sporting goods store—gathering cash, weapons, and a vehicle, escalating the urgency and danger for law enforcement.

4. The All-Night Manhunt (19:53–27:12)

• A massive, multi-agency manhunt unfolds in rural Ventura County, covering some 20 square miles with over 500 searchers—police, sheriffs, highway patrol, and citizens.
• The convicts kidnap an elderly couple, intensifying the risk.
• After an initial search fails, the police change tactics, faking a pullback to draw the fugitives into the open.

Tension Breaks:

• As dawn approaches on Easter morning, Friday and Jacobs catch the sound of a car being tampered with:

  "All right, hold it up. Police officers. Watch it, Joe." —Climax of apprehension (26:31)

• The standoff is tense but ends with the fugitives surrendering.

Bittersweet Closure:

• Friday, emotionally and physically tired, slips and almost calls Jacobs by his late partner's name.

  "You want to keep him covered, Ben? Excuse me, Ed. Head. I mean. ... Sorry. Too bad he wasn't here tonight." (27:17–27:22)
  "How can you tell for sure?" —Friday, questioning the permanence and impact of loss (27:26)

5. Resolution and Message (27:52–28:15)

• The suspects are convicted for robbery, kidnapping, and escape.
• Joe Friday signs off with a message of hope and continuity:

  "We all hope that you enjoyed listening to Dragnet in 1951. ... We hope to bring you the kind of entertainment you want." (27:52)

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Adam Graham’s Post-Episode Commentary (30:22–39:37)

Reflection on Tribute and Show’s Legacy

• Graham underscores the rarity and significance of Dragnet’s open acknowledgment of Yarborough’s death—contrasting it with other shows of the era where no mention was made when principal actors died.

  "That Webb decided to do this does speak to the nature of his friendship with Barton Yarborough and the importance of Yarborough to the series." (30:22)

• He summarizes Yarborough’s impressive radio career, his pivotal role in Dragnet, and how his absence marked a creative turning point for the series.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

• Notes the historically consistent but sometimes loose approach Dragnet took with character backstories and continuity:

  "There are many instances of larger backstory issues and numbers slipping within Dragnet, so those things tend not to be terribly consistent." (32:10)

Thematic Analysis

• Explores Dragnet’s message of service and purpose:

  "Dragnet ... presented viewers ... an opportunity to be part of something bigger, something important that transcended excitement or money and had a real sense of purpose. So again, very consistent with the tone and message of Dragnet." (33:40–34:20)

• Comments on the realism and subtlety of the show—even noting that the humor and personalities are more muted, and the job’s difficulties and monotony are frankly shown, not glamorized.

Listener Feedback Segment

• Graham reads a thoughtful listener comment lauding Dragnet’s handling of confessions and villain psychology, contrasting it with other shows’ tendencies towards melodrama.
• Additional meta-discussion about the role of journalists in police stories.

Notable Thanks

• Special acknowledgment of ongoing Patreon support and encouragement to the audience to support and follow the show.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• "He’s dead, Joe. Ben’s dead. ... Heart attack." —Ed Jacobs (05:36)
• "All of a sudden it wasn't the same anymore. ... He was a good cop. And he was a good friend." —Joe Friday (08:00)
• "The Good Thief, he made it with a prayer, not with a gun in his hand." —Father Newman (14:18)
• "Let's make liars out of them." —Joe Friday (proposing to prove the fugitives could be taken alive despite threats) (19:30)
• "You want to keep him covered, Ben? Excuse me, Ed. Head. I mean. ... Sorry. Too bad he wasn't here tonight." (27:17–27:22)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Highlight | |-----------|-------------------| | 02:52 | Dedication to Barton Yarborough (Ben Romero) | | 04:26 | Sgt. Friday learns of Ben's death | | 08:00 | Friday's poignant reflection and visit to Romero's family | | 10:37–14:35 | Interview with Father Newman, story of the "Good Thief" | | 15:19 | Beginning of the investigation/stakeouts | | 19:53 | Launch of massive manhunt | | 27:17 | Capture of fugitives and Friday’s moment of grief/slip| | 27:52–28:15| Trial outcome and closing message | | 30:22 | Adam Graham's reflective commentary begins |

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Tone, Style, and Legacy

• The podcast and original episode both maintain Dragnet's signature understated, laconic tone—factual, unsentimental, yet deeply resonant.
• Through both story and commentary, this episode underscores the humanity and continuity of police work and the radio series itself—honoring the personal behind-the-scenes bonds that made Dragnet iconic.

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For listeners new to Dragnet or old-time radio drama, "The Big Sorrow" offers a rare glimpse into the merging of real-world loss and fictional storytelling, revealing the program's enduring respect for its characters and the people behind them.

Transcript

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[Joe Friday]

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[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

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[Adam Graham (Podcast Host)]

welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Our listener support and appreciation campaign continues and you can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net and I want to thank Paul for becoming our latest supporter at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support. Now from December 27, 1951, here is the Big Sorrow.

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[Joe Friday]

Ladies and gentlemen, the makers of Fatima Cigarettes and the entire cast and crew and technicians of Dragnet respectfully dedicate tonight's program to the memory of Barton Yarborough, who created and portrayed the role of Sergeant Ben Romero.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. They're assigned a robbery detail.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Two convicts escape from a nearby state penitentiary in the early morning.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

According to reports, they're heading for your city.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

They're both armed.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

They're both dangerous.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Your job.

[Joe Friday]

Get them.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Dragnet.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

The documented drama of an actual crime. While the next 30 minutes in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case, transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Saturday, April 24th. It was hot in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Didion. My name's Friday. It was five minutes past 8:00am when I got to room 27. A robbery detail.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Morning, Joe. Hi, Crowley. How's it working out?

[Joe Friday]

Any more word in the escaped prisoner?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Nothing this morning, no. Captain likes to see you, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. Ben check in yet?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Nope.

[Joe Friday]

Getting a little late. Guess he was held up, huh?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Captain wants to see you right away. Some bad news, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, what's the matter?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Maybe it'd be better if he told you.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, all right.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Oh, morning, Joe. Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Do you want to see me?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah, come on in. Sit down. Yeah. Got some bad news, Joe. Real bad.

[Joe Friday]

What's the matter?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

I know how much it means. I wish I didn't have to be the one to tell you. Well, tell me what? Sorry, Joe. It's about Ben. Something's happened.

[Joe Friday]

Ben? What do you mean?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

We were notified about it early this morning. I thought about calling you. Figured it'd be better if I told you in person.

[Joe Friday]

What's the matter, Ben sick?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

He's dead, Joe. Ben's dead. Early this morning. What? Yeah, sorry. Heart attack. Happened a little after 6:00 clock this morning.

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Got out of bed, started dressing, go to work. Went downstairs, put a pot of coffee on, make some toast. Wife heard him fall. She went downstairs and found him already dead. Went fast. Look, I don't get this. It couldn't be. Sorry, Joe means a lot to all of us. Yeah, well, I still don't get it. Ben didn't have any trouble with his heart.

[Joe Friday]

He never mentioned anything about it.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Well, maybe that was the trouble. Was his heart all right. When his wife found him, she called the doctor and the fire department, rescue squad. They worked over him for an hour. No use. His wife called me not to tear your heart out. I can't believe it. What'd she say? She didn't break up. Too shocked to realize it, I guess. Sounded apologetic that I'm sorry. Captain, this is Mrs. Romero. Ben died this morning I thought she ought to know. Ben said it's terrible.

[Joe Friday]

A lousy shame.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Kept saying the same thing over again. I'm sorry. Ben's dead. I thought you ought to know. Ben's dead? Yeah. Joe Whitehead and I went out there right away. Tried to talk to her. Wasn't much use. Excuse me.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

You were with him a long time?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, 11 years day I came on the job. They assigned me as his partner. You know, this is a tough one.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

It's hard to believe it's tougher on his wife. That's all right with you? I'd like to go see her. All right. I wish I could give you the day off, Joe. I know what it means to you. You get convicts thing. I just can't spare you.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right. I'd just soon work. I figure I ought to talk to Amy, though. Might help to take the edge off

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

it for him, maybe. Sure. Go, Joe. Yeah, I know what it is. I've been on the job 19 years. Lost two partners. Good cops. One of them was killed in the line of duty. The other one worked at his job until he dropped. It's the same thing, Joe. Yeah. In my book, they both rake medals.

[Joe Friday]

I left the office and went down in the elevator alone. I. I got in the car and I started over for Ben's place. I thought about what I was gonna say to his wife. I thought about his little boy. I thought about Ben. Eleven years I'd been working as a cop. And all of a sudden it wasn't the same anymore. I thought about the first day I met Ben. I was a rookie. I remembered what he taught me about being a cop. I thought about how much I owed him. I thought about the thousands of cops just like him all over the country. The ones that came before us. The ones that'll take our place. I thought about their lives and their homes and their families. What they meant, what their jobs meant. I thought about Ben. 11 years. Stakeouts, the early morning watch, interrogations, office duty. You could cover it in volumes, or you could write it on the back of an envelope. He was a good cop. And he was a good friend. There wasn't much else to say. It was a big loss. I stayed at Ben's house for about an hour, talking to his wife. Joe Whitehead from the medical detail was there. All things considered, she seemed to be taking it fairly well. I told her I'd drop around later in the day. And then I checked back in at the office for work temporarily. Sergeant Ed Jacobs Was assigned to work with me. The big problem at the moment was a pair of escaped convicts. Jacobs and I drove out to run down on a possible lead. 1105am we got to the address listed. The Cathedral of St. Augustine. We checked in at the rectory and then we went around to the church.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Go ahead. Okay. Sure. Beautiful church, isn't it? Yeah, it's a nice choir, isn't it? Wonder if they're holding services.

[Joe Friday]

No. Choir's probably just practicing. You see the priest around anywhere?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Edge?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Oh, yeah. There's someone over by the side altar there.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Looks like the padre. Yeah. Come on.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Easter hammers. Sure pretty, aren't they?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, they sure are.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

It really takes me back.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

You'd never believe it, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

He used to be a boy tenor.

[Joe Friday]

Excuse me, please.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yes?

[Joe Friday]

Are you Father Newman?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yes, that's right. Can I help you?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers, Father.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

I see.

[Joe Friday]

This is my partner, sergeant Jacobs. My name's Friday.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Housekeeper over at the rectory told us we could find you here.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

I'd like to talk to you for

[Sergeant Max Herman]

a few minutes if you got the time, Father.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Let's see, I have confessions starting at 3 o'. Clock. Leaves me about 10 minutes. What was it about, Sergeant?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we're inquiring about a Stanley Blair, Father. We understand that you knew him fairly well.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Oh, yes, I do. Matter of fact, I read about him in the paper this morning. Trouble he's in. Is that what you wanted to talk about?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Yes, that's right. We're making a check of all his known friends, his relatives.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Very unfortunate, isn't it? Do the newspapers have the story correct?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Yes, sir, I'm afraid so.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

I wonder if we could step outside, Father. We could talk out there without disturbing anyone in church.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Surely, sir. This way, please. Thank you. Certainly a tragedy. I mean, happening at Easter time. I'll remember the boy in my mask tomorrow. Lord knows he can use some prayers.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. I guess he can.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Here we are. Bench there if you care to sit down. No, sir.

[Joe Friday]

That's all right.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

The newspapers weren't too specific. How did he manage to escape the way he did? I always thought state penitentiaries were well guarded.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Apparently, Blair was one of the trusted prisoners. It's a minimum security prison to begin with, Father.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

I see. I suppose Blair and the man he escaped with thought about it a good deal. According to the paper, it was well planned. When did they get away? Last night?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

It was this morning. Prison officials figure about 2am slugged a guard, went over the wall. Somehow the two of them got hold of A gun held up a motorist on the highway and stole his car. That's the last report with him.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Terrible. Do the police consider them dangerous?

[Joe Friday]

Well, they're armed, Father. Both of them were doing time for robbery. They've both used guns before. How about possible contacts he might have out of town? Father, can you help us there at all?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

I'm afraid not, Sergeant. I think Stan knew some people in San Francisco. I don't know their names or addresses, though. I haven't any idea.

[Joe Friday]

And there's no special person or place that you know of that he'd be likely to go if he heads back for Los Angeles?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

No. None I can think of. You imagine he'd be likely to come back here?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

We're not sure. Last report we had seemed to indicate Blair and his partner were heading this way. Prison's only about 40 miles away. Could be there in the city now.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

I don't understand. I mean, with all the police looking for them, why would they come back here?

[Joe Friday]

They probably figure they can find cover a lot easier than they could in some of the small towns.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Sergeant. Yeah, Father? Do you think they'll have trouble taking Stan? I mean, can they take him alive?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll try our best to make it that way. It's like I told you, Father. He's got a gun. If he's cornered, there's a good chance he might try to shoot his way out.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Gets discouraging. Sometimes I try to help them. I pray for them young thieves. I only hope they're all as lucky as he was.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

How's that, sir?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

The grotto back there in the garden. Figure of a man in it? Oh, yeah. It's a statue of Dismas. One of the luckiest men who ever lived. I like to tell fellows like Stan about him.

[Joe Friday]

I don't think I understand, Father.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

You know the story of the crucifixion? The two men who were crucified with Christ? They were both thieves. A few minutes before he died, one of the thieves turned to Christ on the cross, confessed his crimes, asked our Lord to remember him. Christ told him, this day you'll be with me in paradise. The man's name was Disma. We like to call him the Good Thief. I told Stan about it right here in this courtyard. He should have remembered it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

I told him, you never give up hope. You can make the grade in the last five minutes of your life. Stan ought to know better. You ought to remember, sir. The Good Thief, he made it with a prayer, not with a gun. In his hand.

[Joe Friday]

Before we left Father Newman, we gave him our card and he gave us A list of 8 names and addresses. People in the neighborhood who'd known the escaped convict, Stanley Blair before he was sentenced to the state penitentiary to serve time on his robbery conviction. 3:15pm we met with Sergeants Max Herman and J.E. crowley from robbery Detail. We divided the list of names in half and we began checking them out. Ed and I didn't have much luck on our end. Most of the people we talked to told us that they knew Stanley Blair. But none of them had seen, heard from him or knew anything about his activities or his family. Since Blair had gone to prison two and a half years before stakeouts were set up at two of the hottest places. 5:20pm Ed and I went back to the office. Crowley was waiting for us.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

No, no luck on our. Indeed, the same thing. Last they heard of him was when

[Sergeant Max Herman]

he was sent up. Guess that finishes that. Any late reports at all?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah, his teletype from the sheriff's office. It was waiting here when Max and I got back. Guess our haunch was right. Looks like they're headed this way.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how do you mean? Somebody spot them?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Just this side of West Covina. Held up a grocery store. Slug the owner got $23.40. Not gonna take them far.

[Joe Friday]

Descriptions match out?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah, perfectly. Suspects believed to be two prisoners who escaped this day from California Institution for Manchino. Stanley R. Blair, Wesley A. Russell. Something else. Yeah, the grocery store they knocked over, they picked up another gun. The owner's description and serial numbers on it here. 20 rounds of ammunition too. Supplementary APB is already out on it.

[Joe Friday]

How about a car? They switch over?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah, we don't know about it. Apparently they're still using the Buick Coupe. They took them at motors this morning. No reports on it, though. It's a queer one.

[Joe Friday]

You'd think somebody'd spot it. They got the highway patrol working this.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Highway patrol, sheriff's office, our department, everybody you can name. By the way, you had R and I pull their mug shots in?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Yeah, both of them. Blair and Russell. They're running off the duplicates now. 500 of them. Should be about ready.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Pretty good shots.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Stand up. Mugs? Fairly recent they made the last time we had the two of them through here.

[Joe Friday]

How about that other list of their friends and relatives we pulled from their packages? Young and McCaleb were checking them out, weren't they? Probably still are.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

No word from them yet. How do you size the two of them? Joe, Blair and Russell.

[Joe Friday]

I don't Know it's a tough combination. Russell's older, he's got the experience. Blair's younger, he's got the nerve. Anyway. You figure it, it's not gonna be easy.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Guns and the ammunition they grabbed, they ain't gonna help much either.

[Joe Friday]

I guess the roadblocks are up, huh? Highway Patrol take care of that?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah, all set? Working now. All our special details have been alerted. Airports, bus depots, train terminals, just about everything covered. Robbery? Crowley. Yeah, Mike. How is it? Uh huh. You'll stay on it, huh? Right. See you later. McCaleb. He and Young are still checking on friends of Russell's on the places he hung out.

[Joe Friday]

Any luck?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Nothing yet. Either one of you see the captain on the way in?

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Said he'd be over at the sheriff's office, didn't he?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

All right, sheriff, I'll get it. Yeah, what is it?

[Joe Friday]

Clothing store out of North Fig. 211 and slugging is sure moving fast.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Same.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

You got it.

[Joe Friday]

Blair and Russell. 5:55pm A supplementary broadcast and an all points bulletin were gotten out immediately on the two escaped convicts. While Crowley and Herman stood by at the office, Ed Jacobs and I picked up duplicate mug shots of the suspects and drove out to the scene of the robbery. A men's clothing store near the intersection of North Figueroa and Merced. We showed a group of mug shots to the victim and two witnesses and they definitely identified Blair and Russell as the hold up men. The robbery had netted them less than $20. We relayed all the information we got back to communications immediately and another supplementary broadcast was gotten out on the two fugitives. An hour later, at 7:05pm Blair and Russell hit again this time at a sporting goods store in the San Fernando Valley. It netted them $94. A. 30. 30 hunting rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition. According to the broadcast, they were last seen heading north through the valley in the Buick coupe, the original escape car. 7:38pm Ed Jacobs and I got a call to return to our station. We went back to the city hall.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Got a hunch, Joe. It's gonna be a long night.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it's a rough one. Guns and ammunition. If they want to make a stand,

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

they're all ready for it.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Can't see how they can go too far in that hot car. Roadblock set up. Somebody's bound to stop them.

[Joe Friday]

Well, they're doing all right so far.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Go ahead, Jim.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

You know Friday, Jacobs, Yak.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Captain, you want us in here?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Not for long. Keep your coats on. Rest of the men have Already left.

[Joe Friday]

What's the latest?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

This communication from the Ventura Sheriff's Office. Blair and Russell were spotted just across the county line. Sheriff figures they got him boxed in.

[Joe Friday]

How close?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

A lot of territory. 20 square mile circle. Say they got Blair and Russell tied down inside and they're on foot. We're sending up men to help out. You're two of them?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

20 square miles is going to take a lot of men.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

If we need more, we'll get them. It's no easy touch. They're desperate. You heard the latest? No.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Last place they hit in the valley, they serve notice. They're not going to be taken alive, either one of them.

[Joe Friday]

That's good sales talk. What do they got to back it up?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Three guns and a load of ammunition. If we want to take them alive. They swear It'll cost us 10 men. They'll kill five cops apiece. You any ideas?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Let's make liars out of them.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

You are listening to Dragnet authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

Saturday, April 24, 9pm along with Captain Didian and a dozen other men from robbery detail, Ed Jacobs and I left the office and headed north up through through the San Fernando Valley. The area where the two escaped convicts were reportedly surrounded was just on the outskirts of Ventura county line. On the way out, we stopped for a minute and iPhone Ben's house. His wife had been given a sedative and she was resting. Her folks were with it. 10:15pm we arrived at the meeting point on the edge of the blockaded area from which the search was being directed. Communication facilities had been set up along with a field kitchen to feed the men taking part in the hunt. There were over 500 of them from our office, the LA Sheriff's Department, the State Highway Patrol, the Ventura Sheriff's Department and a couple of dozen private citizens who lived in the area. Together with Max, Herman and Crowley, Ed Jacobs and I took up our position in the line of men that stretched north and east. Then north again, circling the entire area. 20 square miles of it. The line drew slowly inward. 12 midnight, 1am no sign of the suspects. We stayed at it.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

You get no idea the size of these hay fields till you start hiking them.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Throw the light over there, will you, Ed? Irrigation ditch.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

There.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Right there.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

That it? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

It's okay. It's a long hike. I'd sure like to see some of that hot coffee pretty soon.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Yeah, same here. Nice setup they got, huh? That field kitchen.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Hey, Joe.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Joe Brady? Yeah. Crawley, you got the riot gun? Haven't you? Yeah, we got it. You want to send up another flare towards a clump of trees over this way. Light it up good, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Crawley.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

About a 45 degree angle, Joe. That ought to do it, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Okay.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

That oughta do it. Really lights it up, doesn't it?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You got any extra magnesium shells there, Ed?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Yeah. Let me get one for you here. Here you are.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks. There we go.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Friday. That you?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Captain. Over here.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

No use beating the brush here anymore. We're moving up three miles north. How come? Blair and Russell? They hit again? Kidnapped an old couple from a farmhouse.

[Joe Friday]

They still on foot?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah, as far as we know. They're hemmed in a two square mile area. They may try to break out. Use the old couple for a shield.

[Joe Friday]

Where's that leave us?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

You think they'd harm the old couple?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

They kidnapped them. They're desperate.

[Joe Friday]

You figure it. 1:45am all of the men in the search party were shifted north to the area where the two escaped convicts and kidnap victims were last seen. Two officers were sent to each farmhouse in the immediate neighborhood to make sure that the suspects and their victims were not hid out or that they were being held as hostages. The officers were ordered to remain at the homes in the event that Blair and Russell might try to find cover. The searching party moved in slowly over the affected area. We knew for certain the suspects were still somewhere inside. 2:15am still no sign of him. The lines drew in closer. 2:30am

[Sergeant Max Herman]

can't be much longer, that's sure.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, well, I can't understand it. We should have jumped them by now.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

There's only a few hundred feet to go. There's the other line closing in toward us. Wonder if they could have slipped through.

[Joe Friday]

Beats me. Ed, who's that coming? Can you see?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Yeah. Looks like Crowley. Yeah, that's him.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Joe. Ed. Yeah.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Over here. You got any word?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

They found the old couple tied up in an irrigation ditch half a mile south of here.

[Joe Friday]

They all right?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah, they're okay. Old lady's forehead, bad head wound. She was slugged. She and her husband have been taken to the hospital.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

How about Blair and Russell?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

No word. Just heard the captain ask for the car with a loudspeaker. He's over there now with Sheriff Dirley.

[Joe Friday]

Well, they couldn't have gotten through the lines. They gotta be around here somewhere.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Doesn't figure. We combed every foot of this neighborhood.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Attention all officers. Attention all officers. This is Captain Didion. Return to your posts immediately. The search has been Canceled. The search has been cancelled.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

How about that?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. Come on, let's find out.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

There he is.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Just getting out of the car. Captain?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

What's the matter? We giving it up? No.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Maybe we've been going at it backwards. We've been trying all night to jump them. Got a new idea? Yeah. Maybe we can make them jump us.

[Joe Friday]

2:48am Captain Didion and Sheriff Durley ordered the men to return to the sheriff's office. With the exception of two deputy sheriffs, Captain Didion, Sheriff Durley and Ed Jacobs and myself, the rest of the searching party vacated the area. The plan was to give the general impression that the search had been called off in the hope that it might bring the suspects out on the open. Because of the darkness and the early morning fog settling over the terrain, we knew that the odds were all against us. Captain Didion and Sheriff Durley decided instead to try and lure Blair and Russell from wherever they were hiding out. Each of the small farmhouses in the immediate neighborhood, eight of them in all, were already under surveillance. Each of the occupants were requested to park their cars in a conspicuous place outside their homes. With the distributor heads removed, they were asked to turn all the lights off in their houses. In the event they heard anyone trying to start their cars, they would remain indoors. Ed Jacobs and I were assigned to cover two of the houses. The other men cover the rest of them. The two houses that Ed and I were assigned to cover were separated by about 500 yards. We staked out in between the two of them. We waited. 4am 4:30.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Sure cold, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Fog goes right through you. Gonna be getting light pretty soon. Joe, I just remembered.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, what's that?

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Easter morning. Wonder how long this is gonna go. I promised to hide Easter eggs for the kids today.

[Joe Friday]

Well, if it's gonna break, it has to break soon. Be daylight in a half hour or so and they won't have a chance then. Wait a minute.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Farmhouse down on the left.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sounds like it. Come on.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Can you see the car?

[Joe Friday]

Wait a minute. Yeah, you cover the passenger side. I'll come up on the driver's side. And watch it.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

Joe, hustle.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

They're getting out of the car.

[Joe Friday]

All right, hold it up. Police officers. Watch it, Joe.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Blair.

[Joe Friday]

Russell, you haven't got a chance. Throw down the guns. All right, Ed, let's give it back.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

All right, don't shoot.

[Joe Friday]

Don't shoot. Throw out the guns. Come toward us with your hands open. Don't shoot.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

West, do what they say. Come on out. Don't Shoot, West.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Keep coming. That's far enough.

[Joe Friday]

All right, cover him, Ed. I'll shake him down.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Yeah. No, break him.

[Joe Friday]

Look out, Joe.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

You want to throw the cuffs on him?

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

Yeah, right.

[Joe Friday]

I'll go get the car. You want to keep him covered, Ben? Excuse me, Ed. Head. I mean.

[Sergeant Max Herman]

Sorry. Too bad he wasn't here tonight.

[Joe Friday]

How can you tell for sure.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

The story you have just heard was true? The names were changed to protect the innocent. On July 16, trial was held in Superior Court Department 88, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. Now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, George Feniman. Friends, we all hope that you enjoyed listening to Dragnet in 1951. We all like to think that you'll be with us during the New Year. On our part, we hope to bring you the kind of entertainment you want.

[Narrator (Dragnet Intro/Outro)]

Stanley Blair and Wesley Russell were tried and convicted on three counts of first degree robbery and one count of kidnapping. They receive sentences as prescribed by law. First degree robbery is punishable by imprisonment from five years to life. Kidnapping is punishable by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 20 years. One count of escape is still pending. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department. Heard tonight were Barney Phillips and Vic Perrin. Script by Jim Moser. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Joe Friday]

Counterspy fights, international intrigue next on NBC.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Can you grab one more thing? I'll come back up for you.

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[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Really gotta have another one.

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[Adam Graham (Podcast Host)]

Welcome back. The dedication to Yarboro at the beginning and the plot addressing the death of Ben Romero is the type of thing that you would expect from a modern drama. But these were not at all typical. In 1951, in fact, Wally Mayer, who had played the role of Sergeant Matt Grab on the Lineup, passed away eight days later, and the death was not even acknowledged of either mayor or his character. You just had Jack Moyles playing Sergeant Pete Carger and presiding over the lineup. So that Webb decided to do this does speak to the nature of his friendship with Barton Yarborough and the importance of Yarborough to the series. Yarborough had been part of multiple series, including a couple of major hits, both for Carlton Morse. He played Doc in I Love a Mystery and actually played the role in three films that brought the series from radio to the big screen. He'd also been part of the cast of one of America's most famous soap operas as Clifford Barber in One Man's Family, also produced by Morse. Now, there is no record of any particular acknowledgement of his passing on One Man's Family, although that and the character not being mentioned again are not unheard of for the soap opera genre. And he actually had been replaced on I Love a mystery back in 1948 with Jim Bowles. Yarbro did a lot of character work. He passed away right after filming the second episode of Dragnet. He was 51 years old and his passing would change Dragnet and would definitely be a creative challenge for Jack Webb. Now, I don't want to oversell this because so much of this series comes down to the storytelling style and the way that the investigation unfolds and shows real procedures. This was not primarily a character driven drama. It didn't have the impact that it would have had if, say, Martin Milnor or Kent McCord died while filming Adam 12 about a decade and a half later. But there was a place and a position for Ben Romero that no other partner of Joe Friday would ever have. And we heard somewhat why during the reflective part of the episode in which Friday stated that Romero had been his partner from his first day joining the force and and it taught him to be a cop. They were totally equals in terms of their role, even though Friday was the main character. Both subsequent permanent partners for Joe Friday would be outranked by him, even though they were both older than he was. Ben Romero was also the most effortlessly believable police officer of any of Friday's partners, with a lot of complaining and no nonsense attitude and any humor being somewhat wry or deadpan. The two worked and the show had been built around them. And while it wasn't as big a part of the show as it would be in more modern programs, Webb would need to find a new dynamic. Now, some might see this episode as slightly contradicting the Big Escape where Friday stated he went off to service in World War II, so therefore couldn't have been working all that time continuously. I would probably not read it that way, though. It could have either been a situation where Friday was counting back to the time that he started and not thinking about his war service, or had subtracted it out. But regardless, there are many instances of larger backstory issues and number slipping within Dragnet, so those things tend not to be terribly consistent. Friday's reflections on Ben are believable and work for the character, while also reflecting the water appeal and message of Dragnet. And it's the idea that as a police officer, Ben Romero was part of something bigger than himself, that he had this broader mission to protect and serve the people of Los Angeles and that everything he did was a part of that mission, no matter how unimportant or tedious the task was or how much he complained about it. Done his part to protect and bring justice to Los Angeles. Task had been passed on to him by those who'd come before and now that would be passed on to others. And this is where Dragnet differed from a lot of programs that push people towards various careers. Oftentimes the excitement, the adrenaline and the cool toys are what drew people in. However, Dragnet and I think other Jack Webb shows were pretty straightforward about the tediousness of these jobs and how monotonous and retained and difficult they could be at times. But what it presented viewers and those who would be inspired by them was an opportunity to be part of something bigger, something important that transcended excitement or money and had a real sense of purpose. So again, very consistent with the tone and message of Dragnet. Also, I don't know what it is, but of all the roles we've heard Herb Butterfield in, I am having trouble buying him as a Catholic priest. Listener comments and feedback now and we go over to Spotify, where Harrison comments regarding the Big Canaries. I agree with you about programs. Dialing it to 11. I'm looking at you, Mr. Chameleon. One of the best things Dragnet does is when they let the villain just talk themselves into a confession. Stacy Harris is really good at the slow breakdown. Joyce McCluskey's performance is another one of those. I remember listening to this once before and I had to stop what I was doing because I was just so surprised by one scene after another. The only odd part was having the journalists tag along like that. Well, I appreciate the comment, Harrison. Now, of course the another series we're playing, the Big Story makes it clear that there is something to be said about journalists hanging around and being part of the scenery with police investigations, but it does seem to vary from case to case. Rarely does happen in Dragnet and I agree, not certain what the point was in this particular story. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Sheila, patreon Supporter since February 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Sheila. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Thursday with another episode of Dragnet. But join us for back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar where Larin

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

has the combination to your walls.

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

No, not what would he ever do with the junk I keep stashed away in it?

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

What kind of junk?

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

Some odds and ends and necklaces and brooches and rings mostly a couple of bracelets.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

And what's the ring?

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

A Shankar diamond.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

What? Isn't that the one I've read about? Probably the one supposed to be the opposite of the Hope diamond that's supposed to have good luck charm about it.

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

No, no, they.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Why, that thing's worth close to a million, isn't it?

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

That's what the insurance company says.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

And you plan to wear it when your son Edgar gets married?

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

Well, it's silly superstition, I suppose, but maybe it'll bring him and Mary Luann good luck in their marriage.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Mary Luann?

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

Mary Luanne Melanie Beaufort Exum Culpepper.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Sounds like something out of Gone with the Wind.

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

The most gorgeous barrel in Greensboro, North Carolina, sir.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Oh, is that where the wedding's going to be?

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

And at the old family plantation right outside of town. You're going to escort me to the wedding and the bang up reception afterward. I understand those Southern folks really know how to throw a wing ding.

[Sergeant Ed Jacobs]

Hey, tell me, Martha, do you expect somebody to make a try for that diamond? Sure.

[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

I always do. Some of the top jewel thieves in the country have tried to snatch that rock.

[Adam Graham (Podcast Host)]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com greatdetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off

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[Character in Box Thirteen Segment]

Really.

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Amica empathy is our best policy. Visit AM and get a quote today.

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